Seoul keen to share its experiences in fighting pollution with Delhi

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Updated: Nov 11, 2017, 08.22 AM IST

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"Of course, the air quality I experienced here (after landing in Delhi) was nothing like what I have experienced in Seoul," said Park.

The odd-even car usage is necessary for a city like Delhi but it will need to be supplemented by a more holistic approach for Delhi to be able to fight air pollution and traffic congestion. This was the message from visiting Seoul Mayor Park Won Soon in an exclusive interaction with TOI after he approved a "friendship city agreement" between Delhi and Seoul with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

As Delhi grapples with smog and poor air quality, even the constant stream of high-profile foreign dignitaries visiting the city has not remained unaffected by the raging debate over methods which could rid the city of its toxic air. Describing the situation as serious, Park said the air quality here was nothing like what he had experienced in his own city.

This is significant as the high-tech, futuristic city of Seoul, a throbbing metropolis, is itself struggling to stave off air pollutants which originate in China and ranked second in March his year - next only to New Delhi - in terms of worst air quality recorded. Seoul, in fact, has also experimented with the odd-even scheme and while the mayor described it as necessary, he said a more comprehensive and holistic approach is required for long-term solution to air pollution and traffic congestion.

"Of course, the air quality I experienced here (after landing in Delhi) was nothing like what I have experienced in Seoul," said Park.

"Delhi is faced with several factors geographically and environmentally which cause air pollution and we understand that because we also went through industrialisation and faced smog issues. While it (odd-even) is necessary, one method alone will not alone be enough to handle air pollution. A more holistic and comprehensive approach is required and it's important that we strengthen public transport system and discourage use of personal cars," he added.

The mayor, regarded as one of the most powerful men in the country, said Seoul was ready to share its experiences with Delhi in fighting pollution and that it might prove helpful for both countries.

According to Park, an urban railway network is the only eco-friendly and efficient way to prevent traffic congestion air quality deterioration. "We have been constructing subways since the 70s and we have 9 subway lines in Seoul. We are currently building light railway systems to link metro system to areas where transport access is not very good. We are strengthening our public transportation system. The important thing is to drastically reduce the number of personal cars to make the city more environment friendly," said Park.

Park said that Seoul model was worth emulating by cities in developing countries and that the vibrant city, also famous for its nightlife, was ready to share its experiences. "We are different from European cities in that we have developed into a high-tech, modern city with cutting edge technology in a very short period of time and we believe our model can be replicated in developing countries. Seoul achieved much success in building infrastructure like modern public transport system but we went through many trials and errors and want to share those experiences to help other cities. Seoul is playing leadership role in city to city cooperation," he said.